Prying and/or frictionless probing device

ABSTRACT

A device having an unlimited number of uses. Certain of these uses depend upon the physical size of the device, etc. For example, one such size enables the device to be used as a catheter for unblocking clogged arteries of the human body, another size enables the device to be used to insert exploratory sensing elements such as a microminiaturized television camera into certain cavities or ducts of the human body. Additionally, larger sizes might include a plurality of such devices grouped into a battery arrangement to lift and/or separate surfaces or objects having considerable weight, such as lifting a nonambulatory patient from his bed or the like. Further, still larger sizes might be so arranged as to be capable of lifting an airplane which may have landed wheels up or for many other well known reasons conventional jacking apparatus may be unfeasible. The principle of operation can easily be understood by comparing it to inflating a long balloon which was disposed inside out while in the deflated state, and the inflating or elongation process thereof proceeeds along the length thereof having the outside surface reversed gradually and only at the extreme end thereof until the balloon is fully extended. The device includes an elongated flexible tubular member which resembles a balloon in that it is controllably inflated but which is not resilient as is a balloon. The device optionally includes telescoping rigid tubular sections which are pulled within the flexible tubular member to aid in supporting the expanded flexible tubular member. A second embodiment includes structure particularly adapted for lifting a patient from his bed or the like. The concept of this embodiment is to counteract the tendency of certain prior devices to curl upwardly after having worked under one leg of the patient, i. e., extend between his legs rather than beneath both legs, as desired. A third embodiment includes ties for causing the flexible tubular member to be elongated in cross section rather than round when inflated.

United States Patent 1 Renfroe 1 Sept. 11, 1973 1 PRYING AND/ORFRICTIONLESS PROBING DEVICE [76] Inventor: Hiram H. Reniroe, 505 Burns,West Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.94,664, Dec. 3, 1970,

abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl. 128/348, 128/2M, 128/262, 128/356, 5/81 R [51] Int. ClA6lm 25/00 [58] Field of Search 128/2 R, 2 M, 262, 128/348, 356;156/286, 287, 294; 5/81 R, 81 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 3,178,732 4/1965 Stibitz 5/81 3,168,092 2/1965 Silverman...128/262 X 3,525,239 8/1970 Zeimer 128/262 X 2,794,758 6/1957 Harper eta1... 156/286 2,513,527 7/1950 Sjodin 128/262 UX Primary Examiner-DaltonL. Truluck Attorney-John R. Walker, 111

[5 7] ABSTRACT be used to insert exploratory sensing elements such as amicrominiaturized television camera into certain cavities or ducts ofthe human body. Additionally, larger sizes might include a plurality ofsuch devices grouped into a battery arrangement to lift and/0r separatesurfaces or objects having considerable weight, such as lifting anon-ambulatory patient from his bed or the like. Further, still largersizes might be so arranged as to be capable of lifting an airplane whichmay have landed wheels up or for many other well known reasonsconventional jacking apparatus may be unfeasible.

The principle of operation can easily be understood by comparing it toinflating a long balloon which was disposed inside out while in thedeflated state, and the inflating or elongation process thereofproceeeds along the length thereof having the outside surface reversedgradually and only at the extreme end thereof until the balloon is fullyextended. The device includes an elongated flexible tubular member whichresembles a balloon in that it is controllably inflated but which is notresilient as is a balloon. The device optionally includes telescopingrigid tubular sections which are pulled within the flexible tubularmember to aid in supporting the expanded flexible tubular member. Asecond embodiment includes structure particularly adapted for lifting apatient from his bed or the like. The concept of this embodiment is tocounteract the tendency of certain prior devices to curl upwardly afterhaving worked under one leg of the patient, i. e., extend between hislegs rather than beneath both legs, as desired. A third embodimentincludes ties for causing the flexible tubular member to be elongated incross section rather than round when inflated.

5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENIED SEPI I I973 SHEET 2 BF 3 INV ENTOR.

HIRAM H. RENFROE 'BY Zd/ Z PRYING AND/OR FRICTIONLESS PROBING DEVICECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is acontinuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 94,664, filedDec. 3, 1970, entitled Prying and/or F rictionless Probing Device, nowabandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to prying, separating and/or probing devices.

2. Description of the Prior Art Numerous prying devices are well knownand range from the simple bar-like lever and fulcrum to some of the moreelaborate devices, e. g., hydraulic and/or pneumatic jacks. Oneparticular method and apparatus for moving objects is disclosed in theX011 et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,493,979.

Other devices known by the applicant include the Sjodin U.S. Pat. No.2,513,527; the Harper et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,794,758; the Silverman U.S.Pat. No. 3,168,092; the Stibitz U.S. Pat. No. 3,178,732; and the ZeimerU.S. Pat. No. 3,525,329. Certain of the above references incorporate aretracting cord or lanyard, e. g., the 732 patent wherein the retractingcord 7 is attached centrally of the end or closure of the flexiblesleeve or tubular member 1. The remaining ones of the above referencesare void of a retracting cord or lanyard. A particular problem prevailswhen attempting to direct a probe, i. e., after having worked its wayunder one of the patients legs the weight of this leg causes theprotruding end of the device to curl upwardly resulting in the deviceextending between the legs of the patient rather than beneath both legs,as desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The concept of the present invention is toprovide a prying, separating and/or frictionless probing device forunlimited uses. Certain of these uses are definitely related to aparticular physical size, etc. For example, one such size enables thedevice to be used as a catheter in unblocking clogged arteries of thehuman body, another size enables the device to be used to insertexploratory sensing elements, i. e., a microminiaturized televisioncamera, a fiber optic system, or a sigmoidoscope, into certain cavitiesor ducts of the human body. Additionally, larger sized devices mightinclude a plurality of such devices grouped into a battery arrangementto lift and/or separate surfaces or objects having considerable weight,i. e., lifting a non-ambulatory patient from his bed or the like.Further, still larger sized devices might be so arranged as to becapable of lifting an airplane which may have landed wheels up or formany other well known reasons conventional jacking apparatus may beunfeasible.

An important feature of the present invention is the unique manner inwhich it crawls between surfaces substantially without generatingfriction, i. e., lubricant is not required when using the device as acatheter. Likewise, when used to lift a patient from his bed, the bedlinen and/or the clothing of the patient are scarcely disturbed and thepatient is not pinched, rubbed or annoyed in the slightest by thelifting process.

The device includes a chamber leading into an elongated flexiblenon-resilient tubular member which is closed at the outer end thereof, afluid pump for selectively delivering fluid under pressure to thechamber to expand outwardly the flexible walls of the tubular member andto fully extend it longitudinally as the pressure within the chamberincreases.

The device also includes a motor-driven roller disposed within thechamber and a lanyard which is attached at the one end thereof to theoutermost end of the tubular member and at the other end thereof to theroller so that rotatably driving the roller causes the tubular member tobe reversibly pulled or rolled inwardly within itself into the chamber,i. e., pressure on the fluid is reduced to nil, and the rollerconvolutely winds the lanyard so as to pull the outermost end of theflexible tubular member from within. This displaces the fluid and causesthe flexible tubular member to be reversed or have its outside surfacepulled within itself 'until it is completely within the chamber.

Extending or outrolling the flexible tubular member is accomplished byallowing the fluid under pressure to be admitted to the chamber andallowing the lanyard to be unwound from the roller, i. e., thisinitially causes a blossoming action of the flexible: tubular member. Inother words, the positive pressure within the chamber blossoms orunfoldingly initiates a protruding portion of the tubular memberadjacent and outwardly from the chamber and as the pressure builds up,an elongation process proceeds in a growth-likemanner longitudinally ofthe end thereof until the flexible tubular member is fully extended toan outrolled position.

Another important feature of the device of the present invention is thatthe elongation process substantially proceeds along a path of leastresistance, i. e., the growing end of the flexible tubular member crawlsalong ever probing so as to bend itself up, down, left or right, to theshape of the canal or duct in which it might have been placed. Equallyimportant is the fact that this growth-like process can be reversed forfrictionless withdrawal.

An alternate embodiment of the device is particularly directed towardsovercoming the above-mentioned problem that prevails when attempting todirect the probing device beneath a patient. The tendency for theprotruding end of the device to curl upwardly between the legs of thepatient is obviated by attaching the lanyard to the flexible tubingadjacent the lower part thereof rather than to the closure thereof orcentrally as taught by the 732 patent, i. e., the lanyard of the presentinvention is attached to the flexible tubing a spaced distance inwardlyfrom the closure thereof and adjacent the downwardly directed portion ofthe continuous wall of tubing. In this manner, the device has a tendencyto dip downwardly at the transient end thereof and to maintain apositive engagement with the surface supporting the patient. In otherwords, this downward dipping tendency prevails regardless of the extentto which the probe may be extended, e. g., halfway paid out or totallypaid out, etc., thus counteracting the tendency of the weight of thepatients leg to cause the end of the probe to curl upwardly.

The device optionally includes telescoping rigid tubular sections whichare pulled within the flexible tubular member to aid in supporting theexpanded flexible tubular member. Obviously, the rigid telescopictubular members would not be recommended when the device is used as acatheter. However, a typical environment in which the rigid telescopictubular members might be beneficial would be when a plurality of suchdevices are grouped into a battery arrangement to lift and/or separatesurfaces or objects having considerable weight, e. g., lifting anon-ambulatory patient from his bed or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the deviceshowing the flexible tubular member in an expanded outstretched oroutrolled position.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken as on the line IIII of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken as on the line III-III of FIG. 2,showing a lanyard attached centrally of the closure means of theflexible tubular member.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken as on the line IV-IV of FIG. 1,schematically showing a means of energizing the fluid pump and theroller motor.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken as on the line V-V of FIG. 4, showingthe same schematic as described for FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view substantially identical to FIG. 5 except the flexibletubular member is foldably collapsed and is withdrawn inwardly to aninrolled position, the rigid tubular members are also shown withdrawnand enclosed within the chamber.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing a secondembodiment wherein the lanyard is attached to the continuous wall of theflexible tubular member a spaced distance from the closure means.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but taken on the lineVIIIVIII of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but showing a thirdembodiment wherein certain opposite portions of the continuous wall ofthe flexible tubular member are tied together to hold them closertogether than are certain other opposite portions to maintain theinflated flexible tubular member in an oval cross sect1on.

FIG. 10 is a top view showing the outer portion of the third embodimentof the probing device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The prying, separating and/orfrictionless probing device of the present invention is hereincharacterreferenced by the numeral 11 and it is anticipated that thedevice 11 will have infinite uses. Accordingly, a random sampling of thebroad span of intended uses for the device 11 will herein be referenced,as examples in passing, in order to more clearly disclose thesignificance of the device 11. In other words, these anticipated usesare given by way of illustration and not limitation. The device 11generally comprises a sealably enclosed chamber 13, an elongatedflexible tubular member 15, and a mechanically driven fluid pump 17.

The chamber 13 is shown in the drawings to be formed by a box-likestructure 14. However, the shape of the structure 14 and/or the chamber13 is irrelevant, and it is anticipated that in actual practice thestructure 14 and/or the chamber 13 would have a variety of shapes,depending upon the particular ultimate intended use. Regardless of theultimate intended use, the chamber 13 will be provided with inlet andoutlet openings 19, 21. The distal end of the tubular member 15 includesa closure portion 23. The tubular member 15 preferably is formed fromconductive neoprene when the device 11 is intended for medical uses.However, the tubular member 15 may be formed from any of the well knownfilament reinforced sheet rubber materials, e. g., rubber coated nylon,when used to lift and- /or separate surfaces or objects havingconsiderable weight, e. g., lifting a non-ambulatory patient from hisbed or the like. In either event, the closure portion 23 preferably isintegrally formed with the tubular member 15 so that the tubular member15 and the closure portion 23 thereof are impervious to the fluidemitted from the pump 17, i. e., the fluid may be air or a substancehaving more density thereto such as water or the like.

The proximal end of the tubular member 15 is sealably secured to thestructure 14 in any well known manner, e. g., a fluid impervious bondingagent or the like. FIG. 6 of the drawings best illustrates the preferredmanner in which the tubular member 15 is secured to the structure 14, i.e., the proximal end of the member 15 is provided with a flange portion25. The flange 25 has an outer perimeter slightly greater than thedimensions of the outlet 21 so that the flange 25 may be fixedlyattached to the structure 14 or the interior surface of the chamber 13circumjacent the outlet 21. In other words, the chamber 13 is sealedfrom without, thus communicating the interior of the tubular member 15with the inlet opening 19 of the chamber 13, as best viewed in FIGS. 4and 5 of the drawings.

The tubular member 15 has an outrolled position, as best illustrated inFIG. 5; an inrolled position, as best illustrated in FIG. 6; andinfinite positions thereof between the outrolled and inrolled positions.When the tubular member 15 is in the outrolled position (FIG. 5), asurface 27 thereof contiguously engages the surface or surfaces of thesubstance being worked upon, e. g., when the device 11 is being used asa catheter, the surface 27 contiguously engages the interior walls ofthe vein and/or arteries of the human body, or when used to cushion orseparate freight or the like, the lower portion of the surface 27 wouldengage the surface upon which the freight is resting, and the upperportion of the surface 27 would engage the bottom of the freight or thelike. Additionally, the fluid contiguously engages an inner surface 29,i. e., the tubular member 15 being impervious to the fluid.

However, when the tubular member 15 is in the inrolled position (FIG.6), the outer surface 27 is reversed as the tubular member 15 iswithdrawn into the chamber 13, i. e., the inner surface 2? is still incontact with the fluid but the pressure on the fluid has diminishedsubstantially to zero lbs. per square inch. Movement of the member 15from the outrolled position to the inrolled position includes structureyet to be disclosed.

FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings depict the cross section shape of themember 15 as having a major and a minor axis. In actual practice, it isanticipated that some intended uses of the device 11 would be betterserved when the tubular member 15 has a circular cross section, e. g.,when the device 11 is used as a catheter or the like.

The device 11 also includes a switch 31 which may be selectivelyactivated so as to deliver fluid under pressure to the inlet opening 19of the chamber 13 to expand outwardly the flexible walls of the memberand to fully extend the member 15 longitudinally as it ultimatelyreaches the outrolled position. In other words, the pump 17, beingmechanically driven by an electric motor 33 or the like, has a typicalpower cord 35 having the one end thereof attached to the motor 33 andthe other end thereof terminating with a plug 37 for insertion into aconventional electrical outlet. One of the conductors of the power cord35 is interposed by the switch 35 in a manner well known to thoseskilled in the art.

Certain environments may be such that the device 11 may preferably belimited to the structure just disclosed, e. g., in lifting heavy objectsthe collapsed tubular member 15 may manually be placed between thesurfaces to be separated. In this instance, activating the pump 17pressurizes the chamber 13 and causes the flexible walls of the member15 to expand outwardly, thus prying, separating, and/or lifting such anobject. Obviously, certain remote or isolated locations might dictatethat the pump 17 be mechanically driven by an internal combustion engineor the like, a feature which is anticipated to be within the scope ofthe present invention.

However, the device 11 preferably includes a roller assembly 39 disposedwithin the chamber 13, as best viewed in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. The rollerassembly 39 is journaled to the box-like structure 14 of the chamber 13.One end of the roller 39 protrudes outwardly from the chamber 13 (FIG.4). The roller assembly 39 preferably is sealed to the box-likestructure of the chamber 13 adjacent the protruding end thereof in orderto prevent fluid from escaping outwardly from the chamber 13, a wellknown procedure obvious to those skilled in the art.

Additionally, the device 11 preferably includes a prime mover, e. g., anelectric motor 41 for rotatably driving the roller assembly 39. Anendless belt 43 frictionally engages a pulley 45 and the roller assembly39 in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Further, the motor41 is provided with a switch 47 for selectively activating the motor 41so that the roller assembly 39 may be selectively rotatably driven, i.e., a power cord 49 has the one end thereof attached to the motor 41 andthe other end terminating at a plug 51. The plug 51 is intended to beinserted into any convenient electrical outlet. One of the twoconductors making up the power cord 49 is interposed by the switch 47 ina well known manner obvious to those skilled in the art. It should beunderstood that the single pole single throw switches 31, 47 as shown inthe drawing may conveniently be grouped into one single pole doublethrow switch .having an intermediate or off position. In which instance,one of the plugs 37, 51 is superfluous, a well known procedure for thoseskilled in the art.

Attached to the roller assembly 39 is the one end of a lanyard 53, theother end of the lanyard 53 being fixedly attached to the closureportion 23 of the member 15 in any well known manner, e. g., an eyelet55, preferably being formed integrally with the closure portion 23,receives the lanyard 53. The lanyard 53 has a knot or the like (notshown) adjacent the end thereof which precludes the lanyard 53 fromslipping out of the eyelet 55. It should be understood that the rollerassembly 39 preferably includes a clamp 57 for bindingly attaching theone end of the lanyard 53 to the roller 39, a well known procedureobvious to those skilled in the art. Additionally, a valve 59 isincluded and is positioned between the chamber 13 and the pump 17 forreasons yet to be disclosed.

From the above disclosure, it should be obvious that we now have uniquestructure for retrievably reeling the tubular member 15 from theoutrolled position to the inrolled positionsAssuming the device 11 to bein the outrolled position as previously described and best illustratedin FIG. 5, accordingly, the object is to withdraw the flexible member 15from other structure, e. g., from an artery or the like.

This is accomplished by moving the switch 31 to the off position, thusstopping the pump 17 while the valve 59 preferably is fully opened. Theswitch 47 is sequentially moved to the closed position, which activatesthe motor 41, causing the roller assembly 39 to be rotatably driven in aclockwise direction, as when viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6, thus causing thelanyard 53 to be convolutely wound about the roller 39.

The closure portion 23 of the tubular member 15, having the lanyard 53attached thereto, is pulled inwardly, collapsing the flexible wallscircumjacent the closure portion 23 so that the outer surface 27 is reversibly rolled inwardly and the fluid is displaced outwardly from thechamber 13 through the valve 59. This inrolling or longitudinallyshortening process of the flexible member 15 will continue until themember 15 reaches the inrolled position or the switch 47 is opened. Inother words, the flexible member. 15 may be maintained in a staticcondition at any one of infinite positions between the inrolled andoutrolled positions by placing both switches 31, 47in the off positionand closing the valve 59.

It is anticipated that some intended uses of the device 11 may be suchthat the physical length of the box-like structure 14 for the chamber 13is substantially equal to the length of the tubular member 15. In thisinstance, the flexible member 15 is inrolled or turned within itself sothat the outer surface 27 thereof is directed inwardly and the tubularmember 15 is reversed and completely housed within the chamber 13.

However, the preferred length of the member 15 exceeds the physicallength of the box-like structure 14 for the chamber 13. In this regard,the tubular member 15 is withdrawn in like manner as previouslydescribed and a portion thereof is convolutely wound about the roller 39as best viewed in FIG. 6 of the drawings.

It should be understood that conventional structure normally associatedwith the field of hydraulics would preferably be included with the pump17 when warranted by thedensity of the fluid substance, e. g., in theevent hydraulic fluid or sterilized distilled water were to be thefluid, a reservoir (not shown) and other associated plumbing, i. e.,bypass lines, etc., well known to those skilled in the art preferablywould be incorporated. Further, the outer or inner surface of theclosure portion 23 may be provided with suitable structure or device forattaching various devices or exploratory sensing elements thereto, e g.,a microminiaturized television camera, a fiber optic system, or thelike, not shown. In the case of the structure on the outer surface, theelectrical circuit required to operate any such device would be sealablypassed through the structure of the closing portion 23 and carriedinternally of the tubular member 15, conceivably taking the place of thelanyard 53.

An important feature of the present invention is the unique manner inwhich it crawls between surfaces substantially without a sliding motionso that no friction is generated. In fact, lubricant is not required noris it recommended when using the device 11 as a catheter. Also, it willbe understood that there is no transfer of germs, e. g., from theopening of the urethra at the genitalia to the bladder, with the use ofthe present invention. In other words, assuming the device 11 to be inthe inrolled position as best viewed in FIG. 6 and the device 11 isminiaturized so that the dimensions of the tubular member 15 arecompatible with the duct or canal in which the catheter is intended tobe inserted, it is anticipated that the device 11 could possibly go intothe ureter to remove kidney stones, i. e., the tubular member 15following the urethra and ureter passing through the bladder and beingcontrollably stopped when the tubular member 15 engages the kidneystone. At this point, the tubular member 15 preferably would bewithdrawn, and the inrolling action of the outer surface 27 thereofwould retrieve the kidney stone, and it would be inrolled and suspendedbetween adjacent portions of the outer surface 27 and carried outwardlyfrom the ureter, the bladder, and the urethra. A substantially equallyimportant feature of the device 11 is that the above operation can becarried out with greatly reduced pain to the patient, as compared withprevious catheters, a particularly significant feature for a malepatient.

Continuing now with disclosing the outrolling operation of the device11, the outlet 21 of the box-like structure 14 forming the cavity 13 isbrought into proximity with the particular duct, e. g., the urethra, theswitch 37 is moved to the closed position, and the switch 47 and valve59 are in the open position. The pump 17 delivers fluid under pressureto the inlet 19 which creates a positive pressure within the chamber 13.It should be understood that this action has the same effect as placinga suction source adjacent the outlet opening 21, since the ambientpressure on the outer surface 27 of the member 15 is lower than thepressure on the inner surface 29 of the member 15. Accordingly, theportion of the tubular member 15 circumjacent the flange portion 25thereof is forced out through the outlet opening 21.

In other words, the tubular member 15 commences to blossom, i. e.,initiating a protruding portion circumjacent the flange portion 25thereof, outwardly from the chamber 13. An elongation process of themember 15 proceeds in a growth-like manner longitudinally adjacent theend thereof, until the flexible member 15 is fully extended to theoutrolled position shown in FIG. 5, i. e., until either the valve 59 isclosed or the switch 31 is opened. It should be understood that at thissame time the roller assembly 39 yieldably pays out the tubular member15 and/or the lanyard 53 as the pressure within the chamber 13 ismaintained or increased by the pump 17, i. e., the inertia of thearmature for the motor 41 keeps tension on the lanyard 53. Quitesignificantly, the elongation process proceeds along a path of leastresistance, i. e., the flexible member 15 crawls along ever probing soas to bend itself up, down, left or right, to the shape of the canal orduct in which it might have been placed. Equally significant is thatthis elongation process can be reversed when desired, the details ofwhich were previously disclosed.

It may be preferable in certain environments of the device 11 to includean optional rigid tubular assembly 61, e. g., when larger sized device11 are grouped into a battery arrangement to lift and/or separatesurfaces or objects having considerable weight. One such object might bea non-ambulatory patient which may easily be lifted from his bed bysimply operating the controls of the device 11. The function of therigid tubular assembly 61 is that it aids in supporting the expandedflexible tubular member 15. It is anticipated that certain environmentsmay be such that the physical length of the box-like structure 14forming the chamber 13 is substantially equal to the length of theflexible member 15. In this event, the rigid tubular assembly 61preferably would be a single section. However, more than likely, thephysical length of the device 11 will be relatively short. Accordingly,the rigid tubular assembly 61 would be formed from a plurality oftelescoping tubular members 63, 65, 69 as best viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Any well known method for interlocking the members 63, 65, 69 one to theother is acceptable for the purpose herein disclosed. I prefer toincorporate an interlocking feature which includes ever-decreasing crosssection tapered walls for the plurality of telescoping members 63, 65,69. It should be understood that the taper as depicted for the members63, 65, 69 in FIGS. 5 and 6 is exaggerated in order to more clearlyillustrate the structural feature. The tubular members 63, 65, 69 may beformed from any well known rigid substance, e. g., metal or a highdensity plastic or the like, and have a cross sectional shapesubstantially identical to that selected for the flexible member 15.

The rigid tubular assembly 61 has a normal position as best viewed inFIG. 6 of the drawings in which the tubular assembly 61 is enclosedwithin the chamber 13 and an extended position as best viewed in FIG. 5of the drawings in which the assembly 61 protrudes outwardly through theoutlet opening 21 of the chamber 13. It can readily be seen from FIG. 5of the drawings that the tubular assembly 61 is received within theflexible member 15 when the flexible member 15 is in the previouslydescribed outrolled position, i. e., the tubular assembly 61 being inthe just-described extended position.

Further, it can be seen from FIG. 6 of the drawings that the flexiblemember 15 is received within the tubular assembly 61 when the flexiblemember 15 is in the previously described inrolled position, i. e., thetubular assembly 61 being in the just-described normal position.

The member 69 of the tubular assembly 61 preferably terminates at theproximal end thereof with an outwardly directed flange portion 71, asbest viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings. The flange portion 71contiguously engages the flange portion 25 when the tubular assembly 61is in the just-described extended position, the flange 71 serving as amechanical stop for limiting the outward movement thereof. In addition,an inwardly extending flange 72 is provided on member 69 with flange 72serving as a mechanical stop for limiting inward movement of members 63,65 relative to member 69.

The device 1 1 also includes a stopper assembly 73 as best viewed inFIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6. The stopper assembly 73, formed from high densityplastic or the like, has an exterior shape substantially complementaryand conforming to the interior wall of the tubular member 63 adjacentthe distal end thereof. The assembly 73 is positioned adjacent theclosure portion 23 of the tubular member 15 and is fixedly attached tothe lanyard 53. From FIG. 3 of the drawings, it may be seen that a pairof clamps 75 bindingly engage the lanyard 53 on either side of inwardlydirected support structure for the stopper assembly 73.

From FIG. 2 of the drawings, it may be seen thatthe stopper assembly 73includes a plurality of radial ribs 77 defining passageways 79, thusproviding said inwardly directed support structure for the stopperassembly 73. The clamps 75 bindingly engage the lanyard 53, i. e., oneclamp 75 being positioned outwardly from the ribs 77 and the other clamp77 being positioned inwardly of the ribs 77, as best viewed in FIG. 3.The stopper assembly 73 maintains a fixed position with respect to theclosure portion 23 regardless of the position of the tubular member 15or the rigid tubular assembly 61.

In other words, the stopper assembly 73 will contiguously or plug-likeengage the tubular member 63 when substantially 50 percent of thelengthof the tubular member 15 protrudes from the outlet 21. Furtherdisplacement of the tubular member 15 towards the outrolled positionthereof causes the stopped assembly 73 to start extending the tubularassembly 61, i. e., the member 63 is carried outwardly through theoutlet 21 and the succeeding tubular members 65, 69 are carriedoutwardly from the chamber 13 through the outlet 21 as the tubularmember 15 approaches the previously described outrolled position (FIG.5).

It should be understood that since the tubular member 69 contiguouslyengages the inner surface 29 of the tubular member 15, the fluidcontained in the tubular member adjacent the distal end thereof would betrapped and present withdrawal or collapsing inrolling diffi'culties ifit were not for the passageways 79 provided in the stopper assembly 73,as previously described. Accordingly, when the tubular member 15 is inthe outrolled position (FIG. 5) and it is desired that it be placed inthe inrolled position (FIG. 6) as previously disclosed, the fluidadjacent the distal end of the tubular member 15 between the innersurface 29 and the outer walls of the tubular members 63, 65 is directedthrough the passageways 79 of the stopper assembly 73. This fluid isthen carried within the tubular assembly 61 to the valve 59 in a mannerlike that previously described. Additionally, the closure portion 23collapses inwardly and the wall of the member 15 circumjacent theretoinitiates the inrolling movement toward the previously disclosedinrolled position.

In other words, the rigid tubular assembly 61 does not interfere withthe movement of the tubular member 15 in any way. The tubular member 15urges the outermost member 63 toward the outlet 21 as the tubular member15 is traveling toward the previously disclosed inrolled position.Further, the inrolling action of the tubular member 15 moves thesucceeding tubular members 65, 69 toward and subsequently through theoutlet 21 as the tubular member travels toward the inrolled position.

A second embodiment of the tubular member for the device is hereindisclosed and is character referenced by the numeral 215 as depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings. The tubular member 215 includes a closureportion 223 for sealing the tubular member 215 from without. When thetubular member 215 is in the outrolled position, the outer surface 227thereof contiguously engages the surface or surfaces being worked upon,e. g., an upper portion 227 thereof engaging the patient to be liftedand a lower portion 227 engaging the bed or the like supporting apatient. Additionally, the fluid under pressure engages the innersurface 229. in other words, the surface 227 constitutes the exterior,and the surface 229 constitutes the interior when the tubular member 213is in an outrolled position as previously described for the principalembodiment thereof. It should be understood that the tubular member 215as depicted in FIG. '7 of the drawings is in the aforementionedoutrolled position.

The second embodiment also includes a lanyard 253 substantiallyidentical to the lanyard 53 for the principal embodiment. An eyelet 255is included and is attached to the interior surface 229 of the tubularmember 215 rather than to the closure portion. More specifically, theeyelet 255 is attached to the inner surface 229 adjacent the lowerportion 227" and a spaced distance from the distal end or closureportion 223 adjacent the lower part thereof. Locating the eyelet thuslywill counteract the tendency of the weight of the patients leg to causethe transient end of certain probes to curl upwardly, i. e., the probeof prior devices as well as the tubular member 15 of the instantinvention.

It should be understood that the end of the tubular member 215 is notalways the closure portion 223. For example, when the tubular member 215is almost fully inflated or paid out to the outrolled position, areference point215 might constitute the end thereof. On the other hand,when the tubular member 215 is inflated or paid out to a lesser degree,i. e., closer to the inrolled position, a reference point 215" wouldconstitute the end thereof, etc. However, regardless of the degree ofinflation of the tubular member 215, i. e., whether it is halfway paidout or totally paid out, etc., the transient end of the tubular member215 will have a tendency to dip downwardly toward the lower portion227". Therefore, when a weight, e. g., one leg of a pa.- tient, isplaced on the upper portion 227, the lower portion 227" will not lift upfrom the bed or the like. In other words, the aforementioned problem ofthe probe working between the legs of the patient is obviated by thetubular member 216.

From FIGS. 7 and 6 of the drawings, it may be seen that the secondembodiment may include the optional rigid tubular assembly 261 which issimilar to the assembly 61. previously disclosed for the principalembodiment. Therefore, only the member 263 corresponding to the member63 is depicted in the drawings. It should be pointed out that the distalend of the tubular member 263 preferably is sloped as shown in FIG. 7 asopposed to being straight like the member 63 previously described. inother words, the tubular member 263 has an upper portion 263' and alower portion 263" with the upper portion 263 extending beyond the lowerportion 263" as clearly shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

The second embodiment also includes a stopper assembly'273 which issubstantially identical to the stopper assembly 73 previously describedfor the principal embodiment. Therefore, a description of the stopperassembly 273 would be redundant.

A third embodiment of the tubular member is herein disclosed and ischaracter referenced in F168. 9 and 10 of the drawings by the numeral315. The tubular memher 315 has a ciosure portion 323 corresponding tothe previously disclosed closure portions 23, 223, an outer surface 327corresponding to the previously described outer surfaces 27, 227, i. e.,having an upper portion 327 and a lower portion 327", an inner surface329 corresponding to the previously described inner surfaces 29, 229,and other corresponding structure, e. g., lanyard 353, eyelet 355, rigidtubular assembly 361, and stopper assembly 373. A detailed disclosure ofthe above-mentioned corresponding structure would also be redundant. Themain feature of the tubular member 315 is that tie means 381 areincluded for holding the upper portion 227' in a relationship close tothe lower portion 227", thus causing the tubular member 315 to beelongated in cross section rather than round when inflated or when inthe outrolled position. From FIG. of the drawings, it may be seen thatthe ties 381 are arranged in two rows, i. e., one row being the ties381' and the other row being ties 381". The rows 381', 381" extend alongthe length of the flexible tubular member 315 establishing an innerchannel 383 and a pair of outer channels 385, 387.

It should be pointed out that when the tubular member 315 is moved fromthe inrolled position towards the outrolled position, i.e.,. in the samemanner as previously described for the tubular member 15, the lanyard353, substantially identical to lanyard 253 passes through the innerchannel 383 as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. Conversely, returningthe tubular member 315 to the inrolled position is effective to causethe lanyard 353 to pull the outer portion of the tubular member 315defining in part the outer channels 385, 387 into the inner channel 383,i. e., in the direction of the respective arrows 389, 391. In otherwords, when the tubular member 115 is in the inrolled position, theinner surface 329 and the ties 381 would be on the exterior thereof, andthe surface 227 would be on the interior thereof, i. e., like that shownin FIG. 6 of the drawings for the principal embodiment. Also, it shouldbe pointed out that channels 383, 385 and 387 may be formed otherwisethan by individual ties 381, as for example, by making ties 381' and381" respectively into continuous strips, without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respectto preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it is notto be so limited since changes and modifications may be made thereinwhich are within the full intended scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A device for prying or probing comprising chamber means having inletand outlet openings, elongated flexible tubular means having proximaland distal ends, said distal end of said flexible tubular meansincluding closure means for sealing the interior of said tubular meansfrom without, said proximal end of said flexible tubular means beingsealably attached to said chamber means adjacent said outlet openingthereof, said flexible tubular means being communicated with said inletopening of said chamber means, fluid pump means, means for selectivelyactivating said pump means to deliver fluid under pressure to said inletopening of said chamber means to selectively stiffen said flexibletubular means as said fluid under pressure causes the flexible walls ofsaid flexible tubular means to expand outwardly, said flexible tubularmeans having at least an outrolled position in which said flexibletubular means is extended longitudinally protruding outwardly from saidoutlet opening of said chamber means and an inrolled position in whichsaid flexible tubular means is foldably collapsed and is withdrawninwardly through said outlet opening of said chamber means, rigidtubular means having at least a normal position in which said rigidtubular means is enclosed within said chamber means and an extendedposition in which said rigid tubular means protrudes outwardly throughsaid outlet opening of said chamber means, means for inserting a portionof said rigid tubular means within said flexible tubular means when saidflexible tubular means is in said outrolled position and said rigidtubular means is in said extended position, lanyard means for insertinga portion of said flexible tubular means within said rigid tubular meanswhen said flexible tubular means is in said inrolled position and saidrigid tubular means is in said normal position, roller means disposedinternally of said chamber means and rotatably attached to said chambermeans, a prime mover, means for selectively activating said prime moverso as to selectively rotatably drive said roller means, said lanyardmeans having one of the ends thereof fixedly attached to said closuremeans of said flexible tubular means internally thereof and the otherend of said lanyard means being fixedly attached to said roller means,deactivating said fluid pressurizing means and sequentially activatingsaid prime mover being effective to cause said flexible tubular means tobe retreivably reeled from said outrolled position to said inrolledposition, said rigid tubular means including a plurality of telescopingtubular members, and means for interlocking said telescoping tubularmembers one with the other.

2. The device of claim 1 in which said interlocking means includes everdecreasing cross section tapered walls for said plurality of telescopingmembers.

3. The device of claim 1 in which said means for inserting said rigidtubular means within said flexible tubular means includes stopper means,said stopper means having passageways therein positioned adjacent saidclosure means, and being fixedly attached to said lanyard means forplug-like engaging a portion of said rigid telescoping tubular means. 7

4. The device of claim 1 in which said rigid tubular means consist ofhigh density plastic.

5. A device for prying or probing comprising chamber means having inletand outlet openings, elongated flexible non-resilient tubular meanshaving proximal and distal ends, said distal end of said flexibletubular means including closure means integral said flexible tubularmeans for sealing the interior of said flexible tubular means fromwithout, said proximal end of said flexible tubular means being sealablyattached to said chamber means adjacent said outlet opening thereof,said flexible tubular means being communicated with said inlet openingof said chamber means and having at least an outrolled position and aninrolled position thereto, means for selectively delivering fluid underpressure to said inlet opening of said chamber means to expand outwardlythe flexible walls of said flexible tubing means and to fully extendsaid flexible tubular means longitudinally when said flexible tubularmeans is in said outrolled position, roller means disposed within saidchamber means, a prime mover, means for selectively activating saidprime mover so as to selectively rotatably drive said roller means,lanyard means having one of the ends thereof fixedly attached to saidflexible tubular means adjacent the lower part of said being arranged intwo rows extending along the length of said flexible tubular meansestablishing an inner channel and a pair of outer channels, moving saidflexible tubular means from said inrollled position towards saidoutrolled position being efi'ective to pass said lanyard through saidinner channel, and returning said flexible tubular means to saidinrolled position being effective to cause, said lanyard to pull theportions of said flexible tubular means defining in part said outerchannels into said inner channel.

1. A device for prying or probing comprising chamber means having inletand outlet openings, elongated flexible tubular means having proximaland distal ends, said distal end of said flexible tubular meansincluding closure means for sealing the interior of said tubular meansfrom without, said proximal end of said flexible tubular means beingsealably attached to said chamber means adjacent said outlet openiNgthereof, said flexible tubular means being communicated with said inletopening of said chamber means, fluid pump means, means for selectivelyactivating said pump means to deliver fluid under pressure to said inletopening of said chamber means to selectively stiffen said flexibletubular means as said fluid under pressure causes the flexible walls ofsaid flexible tubular means to expand outwardly, said flexible tubularmeans having at least an outrolled position in which said flexibletubular means is extended longitudinally protruding outwardly from saidoutlet opening of said chamber means and an inrolled position in whichsaid flexible tubular means is foldably collapsed and is withdrawninwardly through said outlet opening of said chamber means, rigidtubular means having at least a normal position in which said rigidtubular means is enclosed within said chamber means and an extendedposition in which said rigid tubular means protrudes outwardly throughsaid outlet opening of said chamber means, means for inserting a portionof said rigid tubular means within said flexible tubular means when saidflexible tubular means is in said outrolled position and said rigidtubular means is in said extended position, lanyard means for insertinga portion of said flexible tubular means within said rigid tubular meanswhen said flexible tubular means is in said inrolled position and saidrigid tubular means is in said normal position, roller means disposedinternally of said chamber means and rotatably attached to said chambermeans, a prime mover, means for selectively activating said prime moverso as to selectively rotatably drive said roller means, said lanyardmeans having one of the ends thereof fixedly attached to said closuremeans of said flexible tubular means internally thereof and the otherend of said lanyard means being fixedly attached to said roller means,deactivating said fluid pressurizing means and sequentially activatingsaid prime mover being effective to cause said flexible tubular means tobe retreivably reeled from said outrolled position to said inrolledposition, said rigid tubular means including a plurality of telescopingtubular members, and means for interlocking said telescoping tubularmembers one with the other.
 2. The device of claim 1 in which saidinterlocking means includes ever decreasing cross section tapered wallsfor said plurality of telescoping members.
 3. The device of claim 1 inwhich said means for inserting said rigid tubular means within saidflexible tubular means includes stopper means, said stopper means havingpassageways therein positioned adjacent said closure means, and beingfixedly attached to said lanyard means for plug-like engaging a portionof said rigid telescoping tubular means.
 4. The device of claim 1 inwhich said rigid tubular means consist of high density plastic.
 5. Adevice for prying or probing comprising chamber means having inlet andoutlet openings, elongated flexible non-resilient tubular means havingproximal and distal ends, said distal end of said flexible tubular meansincluding closure means integral said flexible tubular means for sealingthe interior of said flexible tubular means from without, said proximalend of said flexible tubular means being sealably attached to saidchamber means adjacent said outlet opening thereof, said flexibletubular means being communicated with said inlet opening of said chambermeans and having at least an outrolled position and an inrolled positionthereto, means for selectively delivering fluid under pressure to saidinlet opening of said chamber means to expand outwardly the flexiblewalls of said flexible tubing means and to fully extend said flexibletubular means longitudinally when said flexible tubular means is in saidoutrolled position, roller means disposed within said chamber means, aprime mover, means for selectively activating said prime mover so as toselectively rotatably drive said roller means, lanyard means having oneof the ends thereof fixedly attached to said flexible tubular meansadjacent the lower part of said closure means and internally thereof,the other end of said lanyard means being fixedly attached to saidroller means, deactivating said fluid pressurizing means andsequentially activating said prime mover being effective to cause saidflexible tubular means to invert itself along the length thereof whilegoing from said outrolled position to said inrolled position and tosimultaneously be retreivably reeled onto said roller means, and tiemeans for holding certain opposite portions of the wall of said flexibletubular means closer together than are certain other opposite portionsthereof, said tie means being arranged in two rows extending along thelength of said flexible tubular means establishing an inner channel anda pair of outer channels, moving said flexible tubular means from saidinrolled position towards said outrolled position being effective topass said lanyard through said inner channel, and returning saidflexible tubular means to said inrolled position being effective tocause, said lanyard to pull the portions of said flexible tubular meansdefining in part said outer channels into said inner channel.